I have figured out my own economic stimulus program relating to the tourism and hospitality trades in our beautiful city. This weekend, take the time to drop a note, send an e-mail or make a phone call to everyone you know — friends, relatives, college roommates, business associates, former spouses and lovers (well, the ones you still like anyway) — and invite them to come visit you and us this year.

Santa Fe is lucky because it is an easy drive from Texas, Colorado and Arizona, and I suspect air travel will get cheaper fairly soon as a way to counter our collective belt-tightening. Tell your loved ones about the accessible New Mexico Rail Runner Express; tempt them with promises of fabulous food from more than 200 restaurants; lure them with hot chiles; remind them of our fascinating history and culture.

Send them to the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site (www.santa
fe.org) and let them plan the best time to come based on all the incredible special events we offer year-round. Bargains abound at area restaurants and hotels, so do your best to help fill seats and beds this year in the City Delightfully and Delectably Different.

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I have been doing a lot of reporting on the discounts, markdowns and deals that restaurateurs are offering, but I don't want readers to think that I don't still value a meal that isn't on sale. The "new economy," as I call it, is forcing us all to make wiser choices when reaching into our wallets, and although I do enjoy a good deal when I find it (who doesn't?), I'm resisting the temptation to become a Bargain Basement Bob in regards to my dining habits.

I can't wait to have my next meal at The Coyote Café, The Compound and Geronimo — our trifecta of high-end restaurants — and all the other top-notch expensive eateries in town. I will always have Champagne tastes despite the economic trend toward beer-can spending. Gourmet food, prepared by the many talented chefs we have here, is part of our ingrained food culture; it will never go out of style. Continuing to enjoy our favorite restaurants keeps the wheels of the economy greased and turning; it's downright American!

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Restaurants that by virtue of their design have built-in pocket-friendly pricing are a treasure, and I love to discover them. I am already a fan of breakfast and lunch at Tune-Up Café (1115 Hickox St., 983-7060), so I was delighted to hear they had recently started serving dinner as well.

The dinner menu is similar to the daytime offering, but with the addition of some more substantial main courses like Chicken Piccata, a pasta dish and Steak au Poivre. Entrées come with a nice-sized house salad or a zesty Caesar at no extra charge. I can't pass up the plump masa Pupusas ($6.25) as an appetizer — the flank-steak version of this dish is delish, and big enough to share.

My Chicken Piccata was a perfect version of what you see on many menus around town. Tart with lemon and capers, served with mashed potatoes and slivers of sautéed zucchini, I was amazed it was only $12.25. My date's Yucatan Fish Tacos reminded her of her years in San Miguel De Allende: grilled mahi mahi with zippy tomatillo-avocado salsa, with rice and beans — a feast for $13.50.

The wine list is user friendly and affordable, and although we were stuffed, we did manage to share one of the Nutella/peanut butter cookie sandwiches ($1.50) on the way to the car. Tune-up is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the new beer and wine license is a real boon for the owners and their guests.

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Speaking of The Compound, I got an e-mail from the delightful Maria Creighton, private dining and special events coordinator at the Canyon Road landmark, alerting me to a promotion they are starting called "Family Dinner Wednesdays," offering casual food, wine and drink prices all night long. The menu includes Southern Fried Chicken, Burgers, Chicken Pot Pies, Fish & Chips, Meatloaf, Salads, Mac & Cheese, Kid's Quesadillas and more, all prepared with the same high-quality organic ingredients but, as the cheery flier announced, at "prices that let you know we understand — we get it." I bet Chef/owner Mark Kiffin had fun planning the menu. Maybe he even got a little help from daughter Phoebe. Call 982-4353 for details and to make reservations. What a fabulous way to introduce the kids to Santa Fe's wonderful restaurant scene!

To share a tip or to dish about the local food scene, send an e-mail to chefjohnnyvee@aol.com or call (505) 699-3419.